Key Facts

• India's parliament has banned online gambling, affecting card games, poker, and fantasy sports.
• The law was introduced because companies were taking $2.3 billion annually from 450 million people in India.
• Dream11, a major fantasy sports platform and sponsor of India's national cricket team, is impacted by this law.
• The ban criminalizes the promotion and financing of online gambling with penalties of up to five years in prison.
• India’s gaming industry is large, but exceptions for e-sports and educational games are included in the new law.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi supports the law to protect society from financial harm caused by gambling.
• The government cited financial distress, addiction, fraud, and links to serious crimes as reasons for the ban.
• The law distinguishes between games for money and social games, promoting safe online gaming experiences.